CBD oil for Hair Growth: Does it Work?
The beauty world is ablaze with a new buzzword: CBD. While cannabis derived health and beauty products aren’t new, the public’s newfound acceptance of them has gone mainstream. Aside from the health benefits CBD products are purported to reward users with, new scientific studies are showing that CBD can improve a person’s appearance.
What about the possibility of using CBD oil for hair growth? We’ve seen that taking oils everyday can improve recovery and cell reproduction. Infact, CBD oil interacts with the body’s own endocannabinoid system which is a major player when it comes to health, including hair health. If you are starting to lose your hair (or think you are) it may be time to consider using CBD daily to reverse the process.
In this article, we will share data from current scientific studies which focus on CBD oil and hair growth. How CBD may create a more healthy scalp to increase hair coverage. We will first briefly uncover what constitutes hair loss and what CBD is if you’re not currently taking it.
We will also give you the best methods for using CBD oil for hair growth so you get the best results in a cost effective way. We will also talk about any potential side effects and things you should consider before you start.
What is Hair Loss?
Hair loss is the process where hair constantly falls out faster than it grows back. The process is thought to be permanent, and usually is, if the person does not act on it quickly.
According to NYU’s Langone Health, 80% of men and nearly half of all women will experience significant hair loss in their lifetime. Needless to say it is very common, yet it affects people in different ways. Some don’t mind and embrace their new look while others feel losing their hair is like losing their identity.
There are many different causes for a person to lose their hair with the main reasons being genetics, hormonal changes and medical conditions like cancer. According to The Mayo Clinic, hair loss is a normal part of aging.
Being concerned about hair loss is a long and drawn out process. First it starts by noticing hair thinning which may alert you to the possibility that you may be losing your hair. Be objective though as it is common for humans to lose between 50 to 100 hairs per day with some losing up to 200 per day. People who are actively losing their hair will lose a more significant amount daily.
Traditional treatments for hair loss prescription medications, shampoos and scalp activators. These options do have some health concerns especially when compared to natural CBD oil. They can affect a person’s hormonal balance which changes the mind and body over time. So, with that said, let’s learn about CBD oil and how it can help with hair growth.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is an extract from the hemp plant. It is a widely used supplement that stimulates a person’s Endocannabinoid receptor network. It has been linked to numerous studies and has shown strong evidence of promoting pain relief, improved sleep patterns and a reduction in mental ailments like anxiety and even depression.
CBD is what is known as a cannabinoid and it does not make a person feel high. Our own bodies make their own version of CBD which is called an endocannabinoid. We can think of CBD oil as a supplement for our body’s endocannabinoid supply. The more that is present, the more benefits you will gain.
Does CBD Oil Help Hair Growth?
Recent studies have shown that using CBD oil can help regrowth of hair on the scalp and slow hair loss.
First, we want to show you that the exact system CBD stimulates, the ECS, has a direct relation to hair growth. The results of this study showed that both men and women were able to increase hair growth in a number of areas by using CBD oil to stimulate the ECS system. More specifically, the study found:
- In the temporal area, hair counts in men increased by 74.1% and in women by 55.2%.
- In the vertex area, hair counts increased by 120.1% in men and by 64.9% in women.
The subjects of the study used CBD oil for 6 months daily with improved results over time. They also concluded that CBD works in a completely different way that other methods and can be used in conjunction with them. So using CBD oil with prescription medication may increase your chances of success.
Furthermore, a study on the endocannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, found that they are present in the hair follicles. These receptors respond in a positive way to the introduction of CBD into the body. The study notes that smaller doses work to increase hair growth while larger doses inhibit it. If you’re thinking about using CBD oil, try a lower potency product like our 500 mg Full Spectrum CBD oil.
What is the Efficacy of CBD oil for Hair Loss?
Earlier we learned that too much CBD oil can inhibit hair growth, but how much is too much?
The earlier study found an average of 3 to 4 mg of CBD oil used topically for 6 months increased hair growth by 93.5 percent. This is a hugely encouraging number and should excite anyone who is losing their hair.
More research is needed on the subject but the initial findings are a great sign that CBD oil may be able to help.
What Types of Hair Can CBD Oil be Used For?
The great thing about using CBD oil to prevent hair loss and promote growth is that it works for all hair types. Hair in general is all made from the same thing, bonds and lipids and proteins. That means any hair type from an ethnicity of person could benefit.
What are the other Benefits of Using CBD oil?
If you’re considering using CBD oil for hair loss, you’re in luck! By using it daily, you’ll also be gaining extra benefits outside of any hair related issues. Some of the extra benefits can even work on contributing factors to your hair loss like stress.
In a study by the Mayo Clinic, stress can cause more hair follicles to rest which may lead to hair loss over time. Stress also could contribute to another hair loss condition called alopecia areata. Alopecia Areata is an immune disease where the body attacks hair follicles causing the hair to fall out or become patchy.
Because CBD oil works with the ECS system to help lower anxiety and stress, it may reduce the chances of stress related hair loss.
Using CBD daily also works to lower inflammation which is another possible cause of hair loss, especially in women. Alopecia Areata is sometimes referred to as inflammation based hair loss. CBD is an excellent anti-inflammatory and it may help you keep more hair.
CBD Oil Can Also Help Dry Scalp and Dry Hair
With a full set of hair, CBD oil can improve the quality of hair and the scalp giving you the best results possible.
CBD contains over 20 amino acids with work together to improve moisture and give hair a healthy feel and appearance. It’s also rich in antioxidants which will protect hair from environmental damage prolonging its health and shine.
CBD oil is an excellent addition to any skin care routine which includes a person’s scalp. We written a couple of articles going into the benefits of CBD for the skin. Namely, CBD and Acne and CBD and Scar Tissue. Both get into details on how CBD works with the skin to improve its health and look.
CBD and Hair Thinning
Hair thinning is usually caused by a number of internal issues. One of the most common is stress. Using CBD oil daily is a great way to lower stress on the central nervous system calming your mood and improving a vast number of health risks posed by stress.
As mentioned, CBD works to balance all systems and that includes your nervous system!
What is the best way to use CBD oil to treat hair loss?
If you’re ready to start your journey with CBD oil we’re going to give you the best advice on how to get started. We are going to take all of the scientific data found in the studies above into consideration. Keep in mind, everyone is different and results may vary. Some experimenting will be needed, but if you follow these basic guidelines, you should get the best results.
We’ll break this section down into how to select a product, how much to use, how to apply it and how often you should use it.
Selecting a CBD oil for hair loss
Because the participants in the studies used CBD oil topically, this is going to be your best bet. Remember, small amount of between 2 to 4 milligrams per day worked best.
With this in mind, I do have some advice for you. If you’re simply trying to stop hair loss, buying a topical CBD product may be suitable. But if you want all of the additional benefits CBD has to offer, I would suggest buying a lower strength CBD oil.
Buying an oil will allow you to take it as a topical and as a supplement.
How Much CBD Oil Should You Use?
The study mentions 2 to 4 milligrams per day. With a 5% CBD oil, you would use between 1 to 2 drops added to a moisturizer per day. If you are using a topical product like our own, try one pump and apply it directly to the scalp.
How to Apply CBD Oil to the Scalp
If you’re using a CBD oil, you’ll first need to apply 1 to 2 drops into a small amount of moisturizer. Mix it together and then apply directly to the scalp. Be sure to not use too much moisturizer, just enough to cover the skin.
For a topical product, once again, use just enough to cover the affected area.
How Often You Should Use It
The studies are based on using CBD once daily. Now, if you’ve just applied it to your scalp and feel that sweat or wearing a hat has rubbed it off, apply a small amount more. You may be fine though because CBD does absorb quickly into the skin. A rule of thumb, if you’ve put it on over an hour ago, you should be fine.
Quick tip would be to use CBD oil in the mornings. At night, it may rub off into the pillow case. Key thing is, just use your best judgement.
Are there any side effects of CBD oil use for hair loss?
Using CBD oil for hair loss has little to no side effects. Be sure to to check if you are allergic to CBD oil by applying a small amount directly onto the skin. If there is no redness or irritation, you’re good to go!
If you’re planning to take CBD oil both externally and internally, there are some minor side effects which include:
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite and/or weight changes
- Upset stomach
CBD can interact with medications so it is important to speak with your doctor first if you’re currently taking meds. Typical medications that interact with CBD are blood pressure medications, heart medication and birth control.
Additional Ways to Treat Hair Loss
There are some extra steps you can take to slow hair loss and give you the upper hand. Here are a few key ones to consider.
Habitual Changes
- Consuming a well-balanced diet. Foods high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to healthy hair.
- Take vitamins regularly. Increasing your iron and zinc intake. Hair loss may be caused by a deficiency in these vitamins, according to scientists.
- Taking control of your anxiety and stress. Stress is a common cause of hair loss, and some researchers believe that anxiety-relieving activities such as yoga and meditation can aid in regrowth.
Treatments and supplements that are commonly used include:
- Tretinoin cream is a type of retinoid that is applied to the skin. This drug is frequently used in conjunction with minoxidil.
- Minoxidil is a type of minoxidil that is (generic Rogaine). Alopecia areata and androgenic alopecia can both be treated with this over-the-counter medication.
- Shampoo with ketoconazole (also known as Nizoral). This antifungal agent may aid in the reduction of testosterone and other androgens in the body, which causes hair loss.
- Spironolactone pills are a type of spironolactone. This prescription medication works by addressing hormones to treat hair loss. The FDA has not approved it as an effective treatment for alopecia, but it is prescribed off-label for hair loss.
Conclusion
Well there you have it, CBD oil has been shown to reduce hair loss and improve hair growth. People who used CBD for 6 months saw an increase in new hair and improved regrowth.
Luckily, CBD oil in the UK is easy to find and you don’t need a prescription. You’re best to use a low strength like a 5% product because using too much will inhibit hair growth.
If you’re thinking about using CBD for hair growth, it’s important that you buy a product that is tested for potency and verified pure. The products we sell are all organic and certified by 3rd party labs for the highest level of quality. Don’t waste your precious time with low cost options that have questionable origins; go with the real products all developed to help you reach your goals of more hair and a happier life.